DISCOVER OUR STORY
FROM FOOTSTEPS TO FOREST
What began as a few neighbors sharing footpaths through the hills of Ojochal, became a simple idea with a powerful impact: when people experience the rainforest respectfully, they’re moved to protect it. We started by walking the land with local landowners, together we marked low-impact trails, planted native trees, and, with partners, strung the first “monkey bridges” to safely reconnect the canopy.
Those early efforts grew into the Osa Trail Alliance—a nonprofit dedicated to responsible access that strengthens the forest. Today, OTA helps private landowners host nature trails, restores habitat in degraded areas, and builds wildlife crossings where animals need them most. Schools, families, and volunteers now meet on these paths to learn, connect, and be moved by the extraordinary biodiversity in the Osa region.
Our story is still being written—one trail, one bridge, one tree at a time. Walk with us, and help keep the Osa wild for generations.
SMALL STEPS MATTER
IMPACT WE TRACK
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TRAIL PROJECTS
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WHAT WE DO
CONNECT PEOPLE
TO NATURE
WITH TRAILS
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Build & Maintain Trails
In partnership with private landowners and local trail-building experts, we create and care for low-impact trails that honor the region’s biodiversity.
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Reconnect Wildlife Corridors
Collaborating with ICE (Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad), we install canopy “monkey bridges” to keep animals safe and the rainforest connected.
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Reforest Degraded Areas
Planting native species to restore habitat, reconnect corridors, and store carbon locally.
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Engage Communities
Through events such as community walks, volunteer days, school visits, and partnerships with local groups.
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Educate & Advocate
We promote awareness of conservation, responsible access, and long-term land stewardship.
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Support Landowners
We provide funding, planning, signage, and best practices for low-impact recreation.
OUR MISSION
TRAILS WITH PURPOSE
Our Mission
The Osa Trail Alliance (OTA) connects people with nature through a network of community-supported trails, fostering environmental stewardship, monkey bridges, reforestation, and conservation across the Osa region in Costa Rica. We believe that by providing responsible, low-impact trail access to the beauty of the land, we inspire a shared commitment to protect it for future generations.
Organization Overview
OTA is a nonprofit in formation dedicated to preserving the natural treasures of the Osa while creating safe, responsible ways to experience them. In partnership with private landowners and local organizations, we establish and maintain nature trails that showcase one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Beyond trails, we restore habitat, install canopy “monkey bridges,” and provide education that strengthens ecological health and community pride.
OUR PROJECTS
TRAILS THAT CONNECT
PROJECTS THAT PROTECT
WHAT OUR PARTNERS SAY
REAL REVIEWS FROM OUR COMMUNITY
“Osa Trail Alliance turned a problem into a solution. Their team partnered with ICE and neighbors to install monkey bridges so sloths and monkeys cross safely above the road. When the bucket truck rolled up the road, with a huge team and lots of rope we were so grateful —our forest feels connected again, and we’re proud supporters.”
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Megan S
“Every time I step onto the low-impact trail at Caracara Ridge, I feel peace. The path follows the land—soft underfoot, shaded, alive with birdsong and leaf-light—and within minutes I’m exactly where I want to be: present, calm, and connected to the forest. OTA built this trail to protect what we love, and it shows in the quiet moments: a troop of howlers overhead, heliconias along the path, a sudden river view at the bend. It’s not just a walk; it’s a gentle reset that brings me back to myself and to nature.”
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Kari M
“Just a year ago this hillside was open pasture. Now the young native trees are already changing the land. Saplings are leafing out with new perches; I’m seeing more butterflies, hearing more frogs, and spotting toucans cruising the edge where there was nothing to land before. It’s early, but you can feel a corridor taking shape—cooler, greener, more alive. Plant by plant, this reforestation is turning empty space into habitat, and adding up to real change.”
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Chad D
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GET INVOLVED
Do you...
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Own land and dream of adding trails?
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Know a place where a monkey bridge could help wildlife cross safely?
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Need help reforesting degraded land you own?
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Want to join in building trails and making a difference?
